Mariska Hargitay, the powerhouse actress behind the iconic role of Olivia Benson on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (SVU), is no stranger to tough conversations. For over two decades, she has portrayed a character who stands at the front lines of society’s most pressing issues—sexual assault, domestic violence, child abuse, and more. Yet, her commitment to these topics extends far beyond the screen. Hargitay’s real-life advocacy work and her deep thoughts on the social issues depicted in SVU have only strengthened her passion for justice, empathy, and change.
A Platform for Change
Hargitay sees SVU as more than just a TV show; she views it as a powerful platform for social change. “From day one, I realized the potential this show had to be more than entertainment,” she shares. “We’re not just telling stories; we’re shining a light on issues that people often shy away from.” Hargitay believes that television has a unique power to reach people in their living rooms and spark meaningful dialogue, and she takes this responsibility seriously.
For her, the social issues depicted on SVU—ranging from rape culture to police reform—are not just plot points but opportunities to educate viewers, challenge stereotypes, and inspire empathy. “I believe in the power of stories to create empathy, and empathy leads to understanding, and understanding leads to change,” she emphasizes.
Breaking the Silence on Sexual Assault
One of the most profound impacts of SVU has been its unwavering focus on sexual assault and the experiences of survivors. Hargitay has been vocal about how the show gives a voice to those who often feel voiceless. “Survivors need to be heard, and they need to know they’re not alone,” she says. “By depicting their stories, we’re telling them they matter.”
Hargitay’s work off-screen mirrors this commitment. She founded the Joyful Heart Foundation to support survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, and child abuse, directly channeling her character’s fight for justice into real-life action. “I wanted to do more than just play a role,” she explains. “I wanted to help create a world where survivors are believed and supported.”
Confronting Racial and Social Injustices
Hargitay also believes that SVU plays a critical role in addressing racial and social injustices. She acknowledges that the show must constantly evolve to reflect society’s complexities. “We can’t shy away from tough conversations,” she says. “We need to address systemic racism, inequality, and the need for police reform. These are realities in our society, and we have a responsibility to reflect that truthfully on-screen.”
She applauds SVU for its efforts to tackle these issues with nuance and depth. “It’s not about taking sides; it’s about telling the truth,” Hargitay insists. “And the truth is often complicated, uncomfortable, and necessary.”
Depicting Trauma and Healing
One of Hargitay’s most profound insights is on the depiction of trauma and healing in SVU. She believes the show does a remarkable job of portraying not just the impact of trauma but also the resilience of those who survive it. “Trauma doesn’t define a person, but it can shape their journey,” she reflects. “I love how SVU doesn’t shy away from showing that journey—the good, the bad, the struggle, and the triumph.”
She is particularly proud of how the show has depicted Olivia Benson’s evolution, from a detective haunted by her past to a captain who channels her own pain into compassion and advocacy. “Olivia is a survivor too, and through her, we see that healing is possible, even when the scars remain,” Hargitay says. “That’s a message I think is incredibly powerful.”
Championing Women’s Rights
Hargitay is a staunch advocate for women’s rights, both on-screen and off. She sees SVU as a critical tool in the fight for gender equality. “Women have been silenced for too long, and SVU gives them a voice,” she states. “We show women who are strong, vulnerable, brave, and flawed. We show women who fight back, who demand justice, who refuse to be defined by their trauma.”
She hopes that by portraying these powerful narratives, SVU will continue to empower women and challenge the societal norms that often seek to oppress them. “We need more stories where women are not just victims, but heroes of their own stories,” she asserts. “And I’m proud to be a part of that.”
A Vision for the Future
As SVU continues to evolve, Hargitay is clear about her vision for its future: “I want us to keep pushing boundaries, to keep asking the hard questions, to keep being a voice for the voiceless.” She hopes the show will continue to tackle new and emerging social issues, from digital privacy to human trafficking, always with the same commitment to truth and empathy.
“We’ve been on the air for so long because people connect with what we’re doing,” she explains. “They see their own stories, their own struggles, and their own hopes reflected back at them. As long as we keep doing that—keep being real, keep being bold—I think the future of SVU is bright.”
A Legacy of Compassion
Ultimately, Mariska Hargitay’s thoughts on the social issues depicted in SVU reveal a deep commitment to using storytelling as a force for good. Her passion for justice, empathy, and change is palpable, both in her words and in her actions. She’s not just playing a role; she’s living it, embodying the values of compassion and advocacy that have made Olivia Benson a hero to so many.
And as long as Hargitay is at the helm, SVU will continue to be more than a show—it will be a beacon of hope, a catalyst for change, and a testament to the power of telling stories that matter.